Whispering Winds Animal Sanctuary

05/07/2026

Update: A Path Toward Healing and a Glimmer of Hope

Dear Friends and Family,
We wanted to share an update on our journey. While the road has been long, we are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

A Personal Update: Listening to My Body
Last week, I received an Epidural Steroid Injection. I didn’t go in expecting a miracle, but I was desperate for the basics: to sleep, walk, and function without my spine "declaring war" on me. My doctor put it plainly: my body is done surviving at an emergency-room pace. After decades of lifting, rescuing, and caregiving, the wear and tear has finally taken its toll.

While the injection gave me about 80% relief for a few days—a much-needed break from the chronic pain—it’s clear that more permanent steps are needed. We are now looking toward a Spinal Nerve Stimulator as the next step in my recovery.

Good News for Tom
The most encouraging news involves Tom. After some initial frustration with different medical opinions, we met with a Pain Management PA who truly "spoke our language." As a fellow military paramedic, he took the time to look at the big picture—including Tom’s A1c and glucose trends—and he sees a clear path forward.

Unlike previous assessments, he is confident that we can proceed with an injection for Tom. This is a huge answer to prayer, as it should get him back to work much sooner than we originally feared. We are currently navigating the "paperwork shuffle" to get him scheduled and are hopeful to have a date within the next few weeks.

Our Sincere Gratitude
Because of your incredible generosity, we have been able to keep up with our bills during this transition. This "bridge" has been a lifesaver, allowing us to focus on medical appointments and actually enjoy some rare, quality time together at home.

We are holding onto Deuteronomy 31:6, reminding us not to fear the road ahead. Your donations, prayers, and encouragement have been the hands and feet of that promise.

How You Can Help
We are so close to the finish line. If you are able to share our link or contribute toward these final few weeks of "bridging the gap" while Tom finishes his treatment, it would mean the world to us.

In the meantime, an unexpected visitor has survived so many odds to land in a safe place - our barn. As usual, we welcome this little survivor. I think she's won Tom's heart.

With love and gratitude,
Susan & Tom
https://gofund.me/a424cdfe0

04/30/2026

Hi everyone,

​It has been a challenging six weeks since Tom’s injury. After weeks of being told to rest, we finally received clarity through an MRI. Today, we met with a neurosurgeon who confirmed that several bulging discs are causing the numbness in Tom’s leg, and surgical intervention will likely be necessary to release the pressure.

​The Road Ahead
While we hoped for a quick recovery, the path to surgery has a few obstacles. Because of Tom’s diabetes, steroid injections are not an option. Instead, the medical team has prescribed physical therapy with a re-evaluation in two months.

​This timeline creates a significant hardship for us. Tom is currently unable to return to his duties in law enforcement, and his leave has unfortunately been exhausted. We are now relying on Social Security and retirement, which makes covering our monthly obligations and the care of our 30 animals a daunting task.

​How You’ve Helped
We are so incredibly grateful for the kindness you’ve shown us over the past month. Because of your previous donations:
*​Our immediate bills were caught up.
*​We secured a load of hay before this began.
*​We were able to set aside another week of Senior feed, which is vital for our older horses who can no longer chew hay due to their age.

​Our Current Need
We know this situation is temporary, but the uncertainty is heavy. We are leaning on our faith and the promise that we haven't been brought this far to be left now. If you are able to donate or simply share our story, it would mean the world to us and the animals in our care.

​Support our journey here: https://gofund.me/5966bd074

​Thank you for your continued kindness, your prayers, and for standing with us through this season.
​With gratitude,
Susan and Tom

Hi friends, I never thought I’d be writing something like this, but life has … Susan Pohlman needs your support for Help Us Bridge the Gap While Tom Recovers

04/18/2026

Since we've had some rain there's patches of grass the horses have found. By midday everyone is out roaming and grazing, except Apache. He is blind and not familiar with the property so I keep him in. And he gets so bored!!!

So, I've taught him about the Treat Ball. When no one else is around it's all his. I fill it with his favorite cookies and call him to the pasture area where it's a little more level, and shake the ball. He knows the sound and immediately begins searching. This breaks up the boredom and gives him something to do.

We love these guys. I read them and their behavior everyday because I'm blessed to be around them 24/7. Pain, I deal with it. Cuts, cleaned and good to go. Boredom...can't have him stagnant.

This is our life and with Tom unable to work, treats are limited.

04/18/2026

We've been doing our best to create grazing areas for the domestics. Even though several have lost their teeth and roll their food, they are still able to satisfy that natural instinct. Our goal is to give them the best in the Senior years. Running the sanctuary is so much more than throwing hay and feeding grain.

With Tom unable to work right now, this effort is difficult. Not only because I have to do it alone right now. But, because we have to cut back on everything until he can work again, including how much feed the horses get. Your donations will help make sure this doesn't happen.

https://gofund.me/6941b5f31

04/17/2026

Y'all know I've had some severe back issues I've been dealing with. Well, now there's 2 of us. Tom is waiting to see the neurosurgeon to confirm a possible pinched nerve that is preventing him to walk, much less work. As a police officer, he has given so much. As a Director of the Sanctuary, he's given more. He was just told that all his sick leave has been used. This means no paycheck, unable to pay mortgage, utilities, feed for the Seniors. He never planned to be out this long but medical bureaucracy has dragged this out far too long. We need help to just get through until he is cleared for work, not a long term request.

Hi friends, I never thought I’d be writing something like this, but life has … Susan Pohlman needs your support for Help Us Bridge the Gap While Tom Recovers

04/11/2026

We are down to one bale of hay.
No rain.
Pastures are dry.
And hay prices are climbing faster than I can keep up with.
The grass that should be carrying us through? Gone.
The backup supply we carefully budget? Gone.
And the horses who depend on us every single day? Still here. Still trusting us.
That’s the part that matters.

I know times are tough for everyone right now. I truly do.
That’s why asking isn’t easy.

If you’re not able to donate, sharing this message helps more than you know. Truly—it can be the difference.

DONATE TODAY
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment

04/06/2026

04/04/2026

He's lived an amazing life and at 32 he still acts like a youngster when he runs and plays. The gray is coming in strong, the naps a little longer, and the love he gives is more than I can ask for. This is why we keep going.

04/04/2026

We received a wonderful donation from an anonymous person from Denver. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Every cent helps. Every donation is a blessing.

04/04/2026

Night before last we had a thunder and lightening storm come through. I try to keep things peaceful when the thunder hits. So, I open the curtains and sit with whom ever is freaking out. Maggie, as long she's next to me, could care less. But, Bubba wasn't quite sure and joined us to watch. Everyone else sleeps through them now. Love my babies